curvature

Everyday

1. Curvature is how much something curves or bends. tree →
2. (medicine) A curvature of the spine is when the backbone bends sideways or too much. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography, you can see the curvature of the Earth from a high plane or from space — evidence that the Earth is round. In maths, curvature describes how sharply a curve bends: a small circle has more curvature than a big one. Phrases: «the curvature of the Earth», «curvature of the spine».

Examples

• From the top of the mountain we could almost see the curvature of the Earth. tree →
• Ships disappear bottom first because of the Earth's curvature. tree →
• The curvature of the bridge makes it strong. tree →
• A small circle has a greater curvature than a large one. tree →
• The doctor checked her back for any curvature of the spine. tree →
• The lens's curvature bends the light. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable; «a curvature» for a particular bend. Related: curve, curved, curvy. Myth: from a normal plane the curve is hard to see clearly; ships vanishing over the horizon show it better.